Niward

This month we are excited to celebrate the impactful works of Dr Ngozi Oguguah, Principal Research Officer, Marine Biology section, Department of Fisheries Resources, Nigerian Institute For Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos, Nigeria.

Publicity Secretary (PS): Please tell us about your background.

Dr Ngozi Oguguah (NO): My name is Ngozi Oguguah. I was born in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. I attended Ekulu Primary School, Enugu, Federal Government Girls’ College Langtang, Plateau State, Federal Government Girls’ College Onitsha, Anambra State and proceeded for higher education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. Growing up, I knew I was going to be a Scientist.

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area of expertise?

NO: Relocating to bustling and not so clean Lagos after growing up in near pristine environment in Enugu made me realize that I can in my own little way make a change. I became interested in plastic research years ago when after rains everywhere was flooded, it was later discovered that the flood was as a result of drains blocked by plastic waste.

PS: Kindly tell us more about your impact oriented activities and research.

NO: I am a researcher with Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research Lagos Nigeria. My research focus is on environmental pollution- monitoring, prevention and its impact on human health (SDG 14). I am a Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program of the University of California, Berkeley Scholar. I was part of the team that evaluated the Efficacy of Plastic Pollution Solutions in the Southern California Bight.

White Paper of the 2021 Scripps-Rady Ocean Plastic Pollution Challenge. (https://cmbc.ucsd.edu/plastic- challenge-2021/plastic-challenge-2021-white-papers/). I served as an Early Career Ocean Professional Co-lead at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Evolving and Sustaining Ocean Best Practices Workshop IV 2020 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y5ltDYrgzc2UlwpMKT0JvH39HlK-Px-A/view) and Sustaining Ocean Observations Phase 2: Workshop (https://www.nationalacademies.org/our- work/sustaining-ocean-observations-phase-2-workshop). I was on a policy attachment with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources where I built trust and

understood the policymaker’s evidence needs, providing evidence to guide on policy issues and expert advisory role (https://euepin.unilag.edu.ng/?page_id=580). I also participated in writing a Plastic management policy brief for Lagos State (Lagos is the 5 th biggest mega city in the world). I participated in the GCFR Project on Micro and Nano scale Plastics in Coastal Ghana: Implications for Ecosystem Functioning and Ecosystem. We found evidence of plastics in sardines caught in Ghana. I got funding for a collaborative project: Sustainable ship breaking process for cleaner environment and better wellbeing by Royal Academy of Engineering.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender as a female in the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?

NO: No, I don’t.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

NO: I want to be a positive role model to my kids and people the way my mother was. She was the first female graduate in my hometown and was a positive role model and inspiration to all that knew her. She is one of my role models in my journey as a woman, mother, sister, friend, wife, researcher, STEAM mentor/advocate, positive visioner and boundary spanner. I am a leader by inclination and training. Over the years, I have participated in various online and on-site courses. I have also attended workshops and seminars in Africa, USA, and Europe. This experience not only provided me the opportunity to practice, but it has developed my interest in gender-based development and environmental issues, enabling me to have a broader view of issues, enhanced my technical skills, developed my leadership and management capabilities and broadened my networks. It has increased my publications and I have more positive impact in formulating policies that impact positively on the environment.

As a result of this I have built a vast network of multidisciplinary and multicultural teams of researchers working on research problems to seek solutions /evidence for policy makers to make positive impact on the society. I have set up research collaborative teams and linkages.

PS: Please share with us your future aspirations

NO: My overall long-term vision for environmental research and development in Nigeria is to see research that is demand driven, solves current and emerging challenges of the society, as well as informs policy decisions of governments at different levels and lead to sustainable environmental management. A great future is ahead of us in Nigeria as the crop of researchers coming out of my workplace (Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos) is a typical example. We are very interested in solving the problems of poor environmental management, food scarcity, poverty and poor health through participatory approach.

PS: Apart from research and lecturing, what other thing(s) do you love doing?

NO: I am a STEAM advocate. A mentor in The Project Kuongoza Initiative, Commonwealth Mentorship Programme, 1000girls, 1000futures program, Young Global Academy, African Changemakers Mentorship Program, and Cherie Blair foundation. I am a steering committee member of Science and Risk Communication group in the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vice Chairman of our local chapter of Association of Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes. I’m also a MarXiv Global Ambassador and was an Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) student board member and ASLO Global Outreach grant winner. A fellow: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) and fellowship laureate: Norman E. Borlaug African Women in Science. I am also involved in Coastal Cleanup Nigeria campaign through which I advocate for trash-free seas and waterways. I love reading and spending quality time with my family and friends.

The Publicity team welcomes all NiWARD fellows and members to the New Year. Nobody can tell a story better than the one who owns it. We are beginning this year with the story of a trailblazer, Professor Onome Augustina Bubu Davies. Be inspired!

My name is Prof. Onome Augustina Bubu Davies and I work as a university lecturer with the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I have held many administrative positions including, Chairman, Senate Curriculum and Instructions and presently, I am the Head of Department, Fisheries and Aquatic Environment. I was a 2009 Post Doctoral Fellow of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

I am also a fellow of the Zoological Society of Nigeria (FZSN), Association of Aquatic Sciences of Nigeria (FAAS) and Netherland Fellowship Programme (NFP). I am from Delta State but my place of birth is Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. I am the eighth (8th) child of a monogamous family of
eleven (11) children. My father, Late Pa Joseph D. Bubu was a secretary in the Botanical Gardens of the Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan and my mother, Madam Clara P. Bubu is a businesswoman.

I attended Abadina Primary School, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, where I got my First School Leaving Certificate and then proceeded to Onireke High School, Ibadan for my O’ level certificate. I obtained my BSc. degree in Zoology, MSc. and Ph.D. degrees in Hydrobiology and Fisheries from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

My late father was privileged to be allocated farmland within the university campus for planting crops so I grew up to join my parents on the farm. This inspired me as a child to aspire to be an Agricultural Scientist and a University Lecturer. I have a strong passion to contribute to global food security. To the glory of God Almighty, I had the best WAEC O’ Level result in my secondary school (Onireke High School, Ibadan). Food is the fuel that
keeps man alive and healthy. Nevertheless, my choice of discipline was challenged by my eldest brother. He wanted me to study Medicine and Surgery (to become a medical doctor) because of my brilliant academic performance.

In those days, as a child, you do not have a say on what to study at the university; your parents and older siblings decide for you. God Almighty used Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam to design my future in disguise. I could not get the cut-off mark to study Medicine and Surgery so my father was advised by a Professor of Zoology, Late Prof. F.M.A. Ukoli, to change my course to Zoology with the promise that I would be allowed to change to Medicine and Surgery after my Year 1 if I had good grades. I was admitted to study Zoology.

I had good grades at the end of that session but Zoology Department changed the practice of releasing best students to Medicine and Surgery that year. Unfortunately for my elder brother and fortunately for me, I had to continue in this discipline. I later discovered that at the Master’s level, I could specialize in Fisheries and Hydrobiology which is still Agricultural Science. My dream came to pass with
Master’s and doctorate’s degrees in Fisheries and Hydrobiology.

Becoming an AWARD Fellow in 2009 transformed my life for the best. It empowered me with sound knowledge and skills. I was equipped with numerous skills that greatly improved my confidence as a Scientist. These include networking, time management, emotional intelligence, creativity, leadership and management skills. I also learnt how to incorporate gender into my research plan and work better in teams.

The knowledge transferred to me through AWARD fellowship is helping me to achieve my life purpose of fighting poverty, hunger and unemployment in Nigeria and Africa by boosting fish production through sustainable aquaculture and capture fisheries. Also, it has contributed to solving the challenges at the workplace and family with the above-named skills. My driving force is my aspirations and that keeps me going in my career and others aspects of life despite the daily challenges at the workplace, family and the community at large.

Apart from being a university lecturer, I facilitate many workshops, seminars and training on aquaculture and snail farming in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria from 2004 to date. This has contributed to the increasing number of fish and snail farms thus the rapid growth and development of fish and snail farming in the Niger Delta. My research activities include the production of organic buffers from plants (aquatic and terrestrial) and animals (shells of shellfishes) to mitigate the low water pH (high water acidity) of borehole water in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which is a major constrain to aquaculture.

Organic aquaculture is being advocated in recent times because it produces healthy and safe fish for human consumption. These organic buffers have a positive impact on aquaculture production in Port Harcourt. Also, I am a fish farmer, a consultant to Scientific Ideas Limited, Port Harcourt which is an environmental firm and many other fish farms within Nigeria. In addition, I am a resource fellow to the National Universities Commission (NUC), a certified global accreditor for higher education (anywhere in the world), member of the editorial board of some indexed journals (immediate past Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Aquatic Sciences), matron, Delta State Students, RSU and a mentor to many junior scientists and students.

Furthermore, I am a worker in my local church and also, guest speaker to other churches at different programmes. Finally, the main aspirations in my career are to be the next Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, RSU; the Vice-Chancellor of a University and a globally known
Hydrobiologist and Fisheries Scientist.

The Publicity team is happy to share the inspiring experiences of Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, the Acting Director General at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) Lagos, as we celebrate her research and career exploits this month.

Publicity Secretary (PS):

Kindly tell us a few things about your family and educational background.

Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra (AYA):

I am an indigene of Lagos, Lagos Island local government to be precise and I grew up in Lagos. I had my primary education at St. Mary Private School in Broad Street Lagos from 1967 to 1973; my secondary days were from 1973 to 1978 at Mary hood Grammar School Ebute Meta, Lagos. In 1978, I proceeded to the Federal School of Arts and Science in Victoria Island of Lagos state and by 1980 I was admitted to the University of Lagos as an undergraduate in the faculty of science and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in In my quest to further my education, I went to the University of Benin where I bagged a Master of Science Degree in Microbiology in 1987. By 2004 I bagged a Ph.D. in Microbiology (Food and Industrial Microbiology).

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area of expertise?

AYA: Actually growing up my parents wanted me to be a lawyer because my dad’s only sister was a lawyer. However, I was more into the sciences because I had an older brother who studied Geology. He won so many laurels while he was in school and this inspired me to go into the sciences. After my first degree, all I was interested in is microbiology and nothing else.

That was how I went to the University of Benin to obtain my Master’s program in Microbiology and after that I got employed in FIIRO. I still had that interest which is also my line of research interest so I proceeded to obtain a PhD in Food and Industrial Microbiology.

PS: Kindly tell us more about your impact oriented activities and research.

AYA: A basic principle that I imbibed and hold in high esteem over the years is to impact lives. A major tool of implementing this concept is Role-Modelling and Mentoring. I have worked extensively in the areas of upgrading locally fermented foods and food safety. Scientists in training have learned a lot from me, especially during their Industrial Training. Young female scientists are being trained on professional skills for sourcing grants.

I have also been involved in empowerment programs for women, using the technology of fermented foods and drinks for entrepreneurship development. MSMEs have benefitted in the areas where I have proficiency and comparative advantage for research and development.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender in the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?

AYA: None at all! I didn’t face any challenge as a result of my gender. I grew up in the midst of boys as the only girl in the family, so I never for once feel threatened. I was brought up to know that I can stand shoulder high with the male sect and this really helped me in fostering cordial working relationship with men I came across in my career.

I will however like to encourage women by saying that we need to believe in ourselves and not be discouraged with what is happening around. Try and try again. We should not allow for any inferiority complex in our endeavours, neither think we should always play the second fiddle role. Women that have made their marks in the annals of history should be sources of inspiration for us.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

AYA: I grew up in a family of six children and with me being the youngest and only female. I wasn’t pampered but brought up to know that I wasn’t different from my older brothers. My mum was strict and insisted that I must be well educated and independent and not think my brothers will be responsible for me. She said in future my brothers’ wives will see me as a liability so I must be someone for myself.

Whenever I pose as a young lady, my mother will tell me out rightly that it isn’t time for that yet until I am properly educated, quoting the Yoruba proverb “your shoes cannot make noise until you have read your books” (literary translation from Yoruba) and this has been a major source of inspiration for me since my childhood days.

By God’s grace, I have been able to balance my career with the home front activities. Like my mum, who was a career woman and was able to balance her home with her career pursuits. She was my role model and mentor. She really impacted my life, and those impacts are indelible. Best of all, I have a loving and supporting husband.

PS: Please share with us your future aspirations.

AYA: Like every other person my immediate aspiration is to continually improve on my present attainments and achievements. Also, to further contribute my quota in research and development for Nigeria especially around indigenous technologies, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported technologies.

As an advocate of mentorship, impacting lives is something I will always crave for, especially for young scientists and researchers, with the view of making them attain heights that we did not attain.

PS: Apart from research, what other thing(s) do you love doing?

AYA: I love cooking, especially trying my hands on new delicacies. I also like to travel getting to explore and more importantly I love reading, basically to boost my wealth of knowledge and technical know-how.

The Publicity team has made another wonderful selection for our monthly spotlight. This month, we are thrilled to showcase Dr Sidiqat Aderinoye-Abdulwahab, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Publicity Secretary (PS): Please tell us a little about your background.

Dr Sidiqat Aderinoye-Abdulwahab (SA): My name is Sidiqat Adeyemi, born on the 30th of May, in the late 1970s in Ibadan, Oyo State to the family of Professor & Mrs Aderinoye. I am married to Col. I. B. Abdulwahab. I attended Oritamefa Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan and proceeded to Abadina College at the University of Ibadan. Upon completing the 3 years of Junior Secondary School, I left for Wesley College of Science at Elekuro in Ibadan. Growing up for me was exciting and memorable as I enjoyed profound neighborliness and community mentorship.

I was raised in a devoted Muslim home and the principles gained stuck with me up until now. Secondary school days were packed full with activities but I found that memories of my primary school days lingered and somehow, I still cherished them till today. For instance, I wrote an examination in Bible Knowledge (BK as we called it in my primary school). I was in a kindergarten class and the teacher read a set of questions from the question paper and we were required to give responses to questions asked. I gave Allah as the answer to every question which had nothing to do with Bible knowledge.

I equally remember being molded and guided by friends of my father even up to university days. Again, I remember I went to visit a family friend without a head covering, this was during my secondary school days, and my friend’s father who was also my dad’s friend, chastised me and warned that I should never repeat such an act. In the early days of my tertiary education, I took some pictures without head covering and my dad got to see them, it
was a really tough time for me as I was severely sanctioned. I was to remain at home for about a week and it took the intervention of my mum before my pocket money was restored and I could return to the university.
In terms of experiences that influenced my career choice, interestingly, my choice was influenced by two great people- my dad and aunt-in-law. After aspiring to study medicine and not meeting the cut-off point to secure admission at the time, I was offered Agriculture at the University of Ilorin. Of course, I was not happy and my aunt-in-law and godmother, Late Mrs Fauziyyat Ali (May Allah grant her the highest rank in paradise) told me to buckle up and have it in mind that there was no stopping until PhD level.

In her words, ‘‘Sisi Sidiqat, emura, ki emo pestraight to PhD ni o’’. My second inspiration is my dad who I have always watched both consciously and in my sub-conscious; and when the time came for me to choose an area of specialization for my Master’s Degree, I chose Agricultural Extension. Someone (although I cannot remember who) asked me what area of Agriculture I would like to study, and my response was I want a course very close to my dad’s course and since Agricultural Extension is more or less the education aspect of Agriculture, it wasn’t a surprise that I chose that field. A lot of my colleagues would root for Agricultural Economics and Animal Science, but I would not think of such. I was focused and determined as I knew I
wanted nothing other than the course that would further align my thoughts to that of my inspirer- my dad.

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area of expertise.

SA: Let me mention that even though my first degree was in general Agriculture, I was supervised by Professor O.B. Fawole, a Soil Microbiologist. She is the current NiWARD President and has not only been a mentor since then but also a role model too. I recalled upon completing my first-degree project, she asked me what I would want to do next and I replied I would want to be like her. At that point, she advised me not to be like her that, unlike her, I should get a job first while I continue my study alongside. In her own circumstance, she continued her study from first degree up to PhD before she began work. I heeded her advice and that of my godfather and guardian (also a Professor) in the University of Ilorin while I was on first degree. He came to Sokoto on an official visit and he encouraged me to apply for a Master’s Degree to strengthen my chance at securing a Lecturing job in the University.

Before beginning my Master’s program, I had gotten married to my husband (didn’t know at the time that he would be so instrumental to my success) and I must say that we have so far traveled the length and breadth of my career together. I also had my first child during my Master’s Degree in Sokoto and my second while I was on my PhD. When I was to write my Master’s dissertation, I again found another God-sent in my Supervisor, Professor Bello Faruk Umar at Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

We had a supervisor-student meeting and he asked me what I was interested in doing. After explaining my area of focus, we came up with a project title: Time Budgeting of Women Groundnut Processors in Sokoto Metropolis and with that topic, I began the journey of my career (unknown to me at the time though!). I did my PhD at the University of Reading in England and my thesis title was: Analysis of Vulnerabilities and Access to Extension Services among Pastoralist Women in Kwara State, Nigeria. A close look at these titles would reveal the emerging trend of a researcher who is likely a gender advocate as my master’s thesis dwelt on how much time women allocated to processing versus that of men as well as what productive (economic and domestic) activities were engaged in by men and women. As for my PhD thesis, it dug deep into who performed what tasks in pastoralists’ households and brought out a lot of vulnerability indices of the wives of pastoralists.

PS: Kindly tell us more about your impact oriented activities.

SA: Since I completed my PhD in the year 2013, I have consistently carried out research that helps to improve the livelihoods of marginalized cultures/vulnerable people. This includes pastoralists and their wives as well as rural dwellers. People in a similar fields of Agriculture and even beyond, would not fail to see the linkage between Pastoralists and Climate Change. Thus, more recently, I have taken the scope of my research farther towards gendered rural livelihoods and coping and adaptation of marginalized/vulnerable groups to climate change impact.

Thus, I have remained in the domain where I have carved a niche for myself: Coping and Adaptation Strategies of Rural Dwellers to Livelihood Vulnerabilities and Climate Change. For instance, I recently led a team in North Central Nigeria to conduct a National Policy Discourse on Strengthening the Uptake of Climate-Smart Agriculture- Technologies, Innovations and Management practices (CSA-TIMPs) among Stakeholders in Nigeria. The Policy Discourse, which was organized by the Nigerian Forum for Agricultural and Advisory services (NIFAAS) took place concurrently across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender as a female at your work place orin the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?

SA: To be honest, I would say No and on the contrary, being a female has worked better and cleared the path for me. Incidentally, I, along with another female colleague, were the only females in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ilorin for about Seven years; and this was more than twenty years after the Department was established. Prior to my appointment in the Department, there were a few females but they had left for different reasons as of the time I was employed. The point I am trying to make in essence is that being a female made me benefit from affirmative action/equal opportunities and this further paved way for me in my chosen career.

Again, being a female has helped me positively to relate better with the groups I have worked with. In Northern Nigeria where there are religious and cultural restrictions for non-related male and female interactions, I was able to navigate more seamlessly through my early career days whilst conducting various field surveys. Additionally, I have been nominated for several capacity-building training and professional opportunities both home and abroad and some of these may not be unconnected to the fact that I am a female.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

SA: I would respond to this with a very simple phrase, which is: enabling environment. I have had an enabling environment all through my career pursuits and if one follows this tread, it is easy to see the array of support I enjoyed and still enjoy. From my parents, my relatives (aunt-in-law especially), my godfather to my mentors (see the list of professors that I mentioned and a lot more that I have not mentioned), my friends, my family- nuclear and extended (husband and children inclusive). Therefore, it has been relatively smooth. This is not to say there are no challenges but they were not so daunting and as such have not hindered my career progression and it has not been so difficult balancing life and work.

I give thanks to the one and only Deity ‘ALLAH’ because HE is the reason I have enjoyed this maximum support and like I learned in my religious parlance, it is not that I know how to do, but it is simply and truly because HE made it possible. Alhamdulilahrobbilalaamiin (all praises is to the Almighty God).

PS: Please share with us your future aspiration.

SA: Future aspirations…hmmm, on a lighter note, because I am not a fortune-teller nor am I a soothsayer; I really do not make so many plans for the future. Really, I concentrate on it now but on a more serious note, I recently got a scholarship to pursue postdoctoral research. Hence, I think in the near future, what I will be doing is to conduct research on how climate-smart agriculture can be used to mitigate the effect of climate change as well as reduce environmental insecurity among Pastoralists and Farmers.

PS: Apart from research, what others things do you love doing?

SA: Firstly, ‘Jai beaucoup voyager’ (I love to travel a lot). Friends call me Ajala Travels all over the world while some other friends call me a Pastoralist/Itinerant Migrant. Indeed, I am a voyager as I have traveled a lot across Nigeria and West African Countries, across Africa, Asia, Australia, America and Europe. Secondly, I am a photographer. I love taking photographs (although you may not see me in many of those pictures but I sure love to capture events). Closely related to this is that I am an Explorer. I love to explore even though I am skeptical about trying out new things, I still find
a way to explore. I am a Reader. I love to read (novels inclusive). Truly, the University of Ilorin also recognized this and has thus approved my promotion to the rank of a Reader! Finally, I am a counselor. I am a major partner in Aidant Consulting- a firm that is engaged in marital and family life counseling.

This month, the Publicity team is happy to showcase Dr Oluyemisi Adebisi-Adelani, the Assistant Director (Agricultural Extension & Rural Development), National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria. This interview shares most of the things you should know about our October scientist. Be inspired!

Publicity Secretary (PS): Please tell us a little about your background

Dr Oluyemisi Adebisi-Adelani (O.A): My name is Adebisi-Adelani Oluyemisi. I was born into the family of Rtd. Sergent Akinloye Mudashiru and Mrs Akinloye Ajarat in Osogbo, Osun State. I am a native of Ile-Ogbo, Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. I am the first born of a family of eight children and grew up with my grandparents in Ile-Ogbo. I used to refer to my grandparents as my parents who loved me so dearly. It
was later in life I realized that my Dad whom I used to call my brother is my father.

I attended Methodist Primary School, Ile-Ogbo and proceeded to Isabatudeen Girls Grammar School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria for my secondary education in 1983. In 1984, I gained admission to Baptist Women College, Abeokuta, Ogun State where I obtained Teacher’s grade II Certificate, after wards in 1986 I proceeded to Federal College of Education Osiele, Abeokuta for my National Certificate in Education in 1989.

In 1990 I gained a direct entry admission to University of Agriculture, Abeokuta where I obtained Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural development in Towards the end of my B. Agric, I got married to my loving and caring husband on October 16, 1993. This gave me the opportunity to serve the nation under the National Youth Service Programme in Osun State where my husband resided the following year (1994/1995).

I started having children in the same period. At this juncture, the quest for employment began with my first job as a farm manager with Alalade Farms in Ada, Osun State in 1996-1998. Due to under employment at this job, I had to put to use my experience as a trained teacher to make ends meet for my family. This gave me the unique opportunity to work as a teacher in private nursery, primary and secondary schools between 1999 and 2001.

In this role, I found no fulfilment so I searched for a position at National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan where I was advised to go for my Master’s degree programme. I was not discouraged, I returned to the University of Ibadan in 2001 where I obtained Master’s Degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in 2003.

I also worked briefly with another private secondary school in 2004-2005 after completion of my Masters programme before I joined NIHORT in October, 2005. I proceeded to the University of Ibadan in 2007 where I bagged my PhD degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in 2013.

PS: Did you have any experience(s) while growing up that informed your choice of career?

OA: Hmmm not really, though while growing up, I used to follow my grandparents to the farm where I was involved in planting, weeding, and marketing of crops such as plantain, maize, and pepper. In addition, I was involved in processing of oil palm and cassava on the farm. My father is a retired Sergeant with the Nigerian Army while my mother is a trader.

However, my father’s experience after the civil war spurred me into academics. He was demoted because he had only Modern 2 education and for this reason, he determined that all his children must at least acquire university degrees. This story of his demotion was painful to me and I made up my mind to have a university degree. I graduated from secondary school in 1983 with a failure in Chemistry which was my core subject.

I had no advisor and wrote the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations several times instead of going back to school to write the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.

A neighbour processed an admission for me into the Baptist Teacher Training College, Idi-Aba. I objected but she opined that I could use the college as a stepping stone to gain admission into the University. On completing my Grade II programme at the Teacher Training College, I obtained the National Certificate of Education (NCE) form. During the NCE course, knowing that I needed chemistry to continue my study in the field of agriculture, I registered for WAEC and had to sit in the chemistry practical classes with the students I was teaching as a student teacher.

At this stage, I passed chemistry which gave me the opportunity of a direct entry admission to study Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), now Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). I had no role model whatsoever. As the first child of the family, I had to encourage myself by pushing ahead. My father was always in support at every stage of my academic pursuit.

He spent so much but instead of complaining, he would say, “Collect as many forms as possible, there’s no wastage in educating a child”. He was never tired of spending as long as it was on academics.

Need to mention this, nature knows what the future holds, that was why I stayed with my grandparents where farming was the order of the day. I grew up in the rural area, little did I know then that I will still work, live and eat with them when I grow up. Now I feel so comfortable with the rural people because it makes me remember my childhood and work back to my grandparents of blessed memory.

Read also: Scientist for the month of September

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area of expertise.

OA: My degree in agricultural education is related to agricultural extension and rural development. However, on assumption of duty in NIHORT as a research scientist in the extension programme, alongside other colleagues, I was involved in interacting with farmers and other stakeholders in the field of horticulture. This made me build up my research interest in rural development and facilitation of training/capacity building. The interaction is
meant to link the institute with the users of technologies.

My passion for agricultural and rural livelihood development geared me up to take up research work in my institute’s adopted villages. At the onset, need assessment was conducted which led to interventions like establishment of rain harvester as an irrigation facility, training on water melon production which was initially not part of the farming system in the community as well as conflict resolution among others. At the point where funds for research were inadequate, finances were pulled together for survey by me and my friends.

PS: Kindly tell us more about your impact oriented activities.

OA: My research focus has been on climate change, rural livelihood, technology transfer in form of capacity building and on-farm demonstration -Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) along horticultural value chain. This is being pursued through my interactions with farmers within and outside NIHORT adopted villages across Nigeria. My impact oriented activities include survey on needs assessment, farmers’ perception about climate change, gender studies, organic agricultural practices and baseline survey along the horticultural value chain.

Sensitization on the effect of climate change, climate smart practices, home garden for food and nutrition security and prevention of post-harvest losses in horticultural crops. I have equally facilitated several training and capacity buildings on mushroom production, citrus nursery and orchard management, rapid multiplication technique of plantain/banana and

pineapple, tomato and Telfairia production and value addition, as well as control of white flies in fruit trees. Others include eradication of banana bunchy top diseases, training of women vegetable farmers on Telfairia production, water melon and other selected horticultural crops.

My other impact oriented activities include capacity building and training on processing of fruit juice, turmeric and ginger into dry powder and drinks, as well as natural soap making from plantain/banana waste. Apart from facilitating capacity building and training programmes, I am involved in publicity of NIHORT activities in both print and electronic media. Also, I perform orientation for students on industrial work experience scheme and
advisory services to farmers as well as other stakeholders in horticulture to mention a few.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender as a female at your work place or in the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?

OA: I cannot say I am facing any challenge because of my gender as a female at my place of work or in the process of transferring my expertise to proffer solutions for the groups I work with. This is because females are doing very well in my institution and cannot be relegated.

Also, while on field trips, we do not face discrimination based on our gender in the course of our activities. In my own department and the entire institute, there are more female PhD holders who are working arduously to meet up with their career standard.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

OA: Personally, I have been able to have home-work balance with God on my side and with the help of my very supportive husband. I also want to mention the additional need for commitment as a mother. However, sometimes when I have deadlines, my husband will have to take up some household chores such as cooking. On most of these occasions, he does not sleep until he ensures that I submit my articles.

I remember during my post graduate studies, one day I came home crying due to frustration, my son was the one that encouraged me. All my children have been very supportive, at times I have them to proof-read articles and other materials for me. Most of my friends are females and they have all been supportive as we always work together as a team to get assignments done as at when due.

PS: Please share with us your future aspiration.

OA: I aspire to be a professor of extension and rural development who is using her passion and expertise to improve the livelihood of rural women and youth in Africa through facilitating capacity building along horticultural value chains. I see myself remaining a role model to junior scientists in mentoring and encouraging women scientists.

PS: Apart from research, what others things do you love doing?

OA: I love travelling, dancing, public speaking, spinsters and young women counselling. I am also involved in agribusiness (processing of coconut oil for healthy living).

The Publicity team is happy to share the inspiring experiences of Dr Olaitan Olajuyigbe, the Acting Head of Fish Technology and Product Development Department at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Lagos, as we celebrate her this month.

Publicity Secretary (PS):

Kindly tell us a few things about your family and educational background.

Dr Olaitan Olajuyigbe (OO):

I was born into the family of Elder Sunday A. Afolabi and Mrs Juliana O. Afolabi in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. I am a native of Inisa in Odo Otin Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. I am the first born of a family of four children and grew up in Ibadan, Nigeria. I attended The Polytechnic Staff School Ibadan for my primary school education. I had my junior secondary education at St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola Ibadan. After my Junior Secondary School Certificate examination, I was admitted into a School of Science (Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan), where I obtained my Senior Secondary School O’ Level Certificate. I obtained my B.Sc. degree in Microbiology degree in 2004, and proceeded for my National Youth Service in Imo State Nigeria from 2004 – 2005. Afterwards, I returned to the University of Ibadan, Nigeria to commence training for my Master’s degree, which I
completed in 2007 and then proceeded to the PhD programme. I worked as a Quality Control Manager in a water and drink industry in Lagos for a few months before my employment at NIOMR in January, 2008. I obtained my B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Microbiology from the prestigious and Premier University in Nigeria – The University of Ibadan.

PS: Did you have any experience(s) while growing up that informed your choice of career?

OO: My father retired as a University Administrator and my mother retired as a School Principal, so I grew up in a home where academic excellence and high educational standards were upheld. In those days, we usually followed my father to his office, whenever we were ill and had to visit the University Health Service (Jaja Clinic) or when on school vacation. Hence, the University of Ibadan was like a second home to me. I always looked forward to the day I would become a student on the University campus and stay in one of the halls of residence. In addition, visiting my cousins (both undergraduates and post-graduates) before my admission to the University of Ibadan was a motivation. My eyes were opened to the differences in the Undergraduate and Post-graduate Hostels.

So, I followed in the footsteps of my cousin and role model Professor Toyin Tayo (an AWARD mentor), who was a major influence in my decision to study up to Ph.D. level. Although I didn’t achieve the Ph.D. degree before I got married like her, nevertheless, I got my Ph.D. after marriage with two kids. My dad also encouraged all his children to aspire for a Ph.D. level and he was ready to support us in any way possible. In addition, attending inaugural lectures and listening to the impactful stories of different academics made me develop a strong interest in research and academics.

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area of expertise?

OO: After my B.Sc. in Microbiology, my research interest began to focus on Environmental Microbiology. However after my M.Sc. degree, I got a job in NIOMR and was posted to a department whose area of research was in Food Microbiology. Initially, I was not interested in food related research and tried to change my posting to other departments in the research institute. My initial intention was to continue my work in environment-related research, but this did not materialise. That was when I decided to put in my best into the mandate of my department and so far I have no regrets. I have found a niche in the Department of Fish Technology and Product Development.

PS: Kindly tell us more about your impact oriented activities and research.

OO: My research has focused on food safety (microbial safety) and the use of some indigenous plants for the extension of the shelf life of fish, while ensuring the safety of the food products. I have also been involved in the training of women in fish processing and value-addition. Recently (in July 2021), I was involved in the empowerment training and capacity building of 100 women from selected local governments in Borno state Nigeria on
‘Fish Processing and Value-addition’.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender in the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?
OO: In the past, I have worked with prejudiced colleagues, who believed that female scientists were not reliable. This believe stemmed from the fact that they felt females were more committed to their homes than their careers. However, I have been able to debunk this stereotype by working towards balancing my career with family commitments. This has been made possible through the support of my husband, parents and family members.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

OO: My major challenge is that I work in a different city and have to be away from my family during the week. In spite of this, I am grateful to God for giving me a supportive and wonderful husband who wants me to keep growing as he is growing as well. He is my number one fan, and is always there to support me in whatever way possible. My children are also quite supportive. I have also had the support of my parents and other family members who
had to take care of the children at one time or the other when my husband and I were away on official assignments. The need to support others to achieve their goals and provide necessary direction also keeps me going. More so, I am inspired by the achievements and stories of others who have walked this road before me.

PS: Please share with us your future aspirations.

OO: I want to be an authority in my line of research, impacting more lives especially the less privileged and also mentor as many females as possible to be the best in their chosen careers. I see a future where I am contributing more to food safety and food security at local, regional
and international levels.

PS: Apart from research, what other thing(s) do you love doing?

OO: I love singing, travelling, making friends and taking part in outreaches and spending quality time with my family.

We are thrilled by the experiences of Dr Olubukola Osuntade as we celebrate her this month. Dr Osuntade is a Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture and Industrial Technology, Babcock University, Nigeria. The Publicity team is happy to share our inspiring interview for the August edition of our Scientist of the month with this phenomenal researcher.

Publicity Secretary (PS): Please tell us about your background.

Dr Olubukola Osuntade (OO):

THE BABY BUKKY

I am from Ibadan, Oyo State. My name is OLUWABUKOLAMI which simply means the Lord added to my wealth. This name was not too much a surprise considering the circumstances of my birth. My mother waited for years before God decided to visit her with a beautiful baby girl. My mother unknowingly entered a polygamous family because my father did not disclose to her that he was once married and had three issues from the previous
marriage. She unknowingly met these three wonderful children – two boys and a girl as my father’s nephews and nieces. It was later in the years of this ‘wonderful’ marriage that my mother discovered that her husband is a father of three but a husband to no woman at that time. Mummy felt like going back to her parent’s house after the discovery and not marry my father again, but no, her family forbids that act so she had to come back and continue with the union. And on a beautiful Sunday, the eight day of February, 1981, Oluwabukola was given to that woman as a miracle in her hands. Her joy knew no bounds and she had no other statement than to conclude that God has added to her wealth.

GROWING UP

Growing up for me was a mixed effort of my parents and the expectant friends and relatives. My siblings were there to assist me in the growing up process. My father, (I forgot to mention that he is late now) was also happy to help me get beautiful background, this is particularly
due to his love for my mother. Daddy was very strict but very caring. I was enrolled in one of the best schools around then. My father had so much flair for good education; despite the fact that his highest educational qualification was the Standard VI then, which qualified him as civil servant with the Oyo State Government. My mother, a trained teacher also made sure that I got the best of education. I was enrolled in a nursery and primary school which had Ghanaian teachers, simply because they were perceived as the best set of teachers in the world. To the best of my knowledge, growing up was beautiful for me and my siblings. After enjoying the luxury of six years of being the ‘baby of the house’, then came another addition and miracle in form of a baby boy named Oluwatimilehin (the Lord has backed me up), and after him came another bundle of joy named Oluwadamilare (the Lord has vindicated me).

ACADEMIC PURSUIT

Primary school for me was a luxurious one. My father would take me to school in his car in the morning and back to his office in the afternoon after which we return home together. I was a brilliant girl and that encouraged my parent to allow me try the Secondary School Common Entrance Examination in my primary V. I came out successful enough to be admitted at one of the very best Girls- only school in Ibadan: St. Teresa’s College, Oke Ado Ibadan at age 10. One of my siblings was already studying Pharmacy at the Obafemi Awolowo University and because of my special love for him; I equally fell in love with science subjects. That informed my decision to apply for the special school of Science. In the year 1993, I was admitted to
Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan for my core science subjects. In 1996, I finished my secondary school and alas, my O-level result was a shame. I disappointed everybody around me, I was also disappointed. It was at the peak of this disappointment that one of my aunties who didn’t believe in female education visited. She advised my father to engage me in a trade. She particularly offered to take me to ‘Oje’- the popular fruit market in Ibadan to purchase mangoes – which was in season, for sale. She believed it was a waste to send a girl child to a University; after all, she will answer another man’s name.

My father surprisingly and stylishly agreed to this, and he told me that he was not going to pay for any other O-level
examination. My mother did not have much choice, but to enroll me in the school where she was teaching then as an external candidate. I made up my mind that period and I read like I never did in my life and after a serious hard-work and prayers, I scaled through the huddle of
SSCE and I got admitted into Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) to study Agricultural Economics and Extension, that was just the beginning of life for me. When I was going to LAUTECH, I had the mind to study Medicine and Surgery as a course, unfortunately (then) I was admitted into the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension. I was not too happy with the development. I was sluggishly going for a class one
day when I sat beside one young wonderful lady in a bus holding an Anatomy and Physiology textbook and that suggested to me that she was a studying Medicine. She smiled at me and I smiled back at her. We got talking and it was during our chats that I informed her about my
intension to be a doctor. She replied me saying, “you can equally become a doctor even without studying medicine, all you need was to go for your PhD after your masters”. Waoh!

That settled me. With that mindset that Doyin Samson (my medical student friend) gave me, I became revitalized to pursue that God given course of mine- Agricultural Economics and Extension and I gave it my best. My best was not really enough but I came out successful to the glory of God. My father then turned to be my best friend, not disappointing the Yoruba saying that “Omo to ba dara ni ti baba e”, meaning the father claims to be a father to good children only. My mother secretly thanked her God that her labours over her children and those of others were rewarded eventually. Bearing in mind that female children from my father’s lineage do not go beyond secondary school level with something to show (teenage pregnancy) was much of an answered prayer for my mother and I. Mine was the breakthrough that the females in my father’s lineage needed for others to break that circle. I forgot to mention that during my university days, my two elder brothers were always competing for whom to pay my school fees. I did not have cause to go to my parent to pay my fees; my brothers were always there for me. Thank God for that opportunity, because things had gone really bad financially for my parents. But above all, God was there for me.

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area of expertise?

OO: I graduated in the year 2004 and I was posted to observe my one year compulsory National Youth Service in Ogun State where I was given the privilege to serve in Babcock University (BU), Ilishan Remo, Ogun State. It was during this period of service that I learnt about the commencement of sale of Post Graduate form in the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB now FUNAAB) and I decided to give it a shot. Late 2005, I was admitted
into the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development for my Master’s degree. I had my courses very well and was lucky to have the best of supervisory committee that comprised of Dr. Kolawole Adebayo (now Prof), Prof. Lateef Sanni and Dr. Eniola Fabusoro (now Prof). They were God sent. My association with my major supervisor, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo opened my eyes to the other side of lecturing- research. He had a lot of
these internationally funded researches that he had participated in till date.

This spurred my interest and my love for research especially with women and smallholder farmers. In some of his projects, he would specifically ask me to handle the women and smallholder farmers’ aspect and that made me feel more inclined to the interests of these women. It was an eye opener for me. Prof. Adebayo brought out the best in me, he is such a blessing to me. And my Master’s thesis was borne out of this, circled around smallholder farmers in Southwest Nigeria. After completing my Master’s degree with a PhD grade, I did not wait at all before I obtained my PhD form and I became a student again. I developed interest in issues of climate change. But I found out that researchers are more interested in what climate change does to livelihoods and sustenance and the coping strategies to these changes in the climate. So I decided to think outside the box looking at what human activities contribute to climate change and what readily came to mind was the influence of management practices in poultry production as it contributes to climate change.

PS: Kindly tell us more about your impact oriented activities and research.

OO: By the special Grace of God, I have collaborated with other researchers within and outside the shores of Nigeria to proffer solutions to some problems facing Smallholder farmers, particularly issues of climate change and the mitigation against the adverse effects of such, especially, if those mitigation practices are indigenous and sustainable. I have also been involved in the review of some Agricultural Policies of some states, which had become a law and still involved in reviewing more. I have also facilitated the release of some Microcredit loans to farmers that are not privileged to get loans from most commercial banks due to high interest rates. Dealing with women farmers and the disadvantaged groups has been my thing and I intend to keep up with that, for the rest of my career journey.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender as a female in the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?

OO: Hmm, not that I can think of, the closest to that was when I went for a research work in a remote village in Tanzania (East Africa), where I was asked to cover my head because it was a Muslim Community, and I did not have anything to cover my head with, so I could not go ahead with the interview that day. My Resident Extension Officer had to do the interview and I had to stay in the car for the rest of the day.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

OO: I have a beautiful family support especially my husband who is always the air under my wings that supports my growth. I equally have mentors who will never let me rest until I achieve. They are my go-to people, Profs. Sanni, Adebayo, Fabusoro, Tayo, Babalola, Abdulsalaam-Saghir, Fapojuwo. In fact, I am so blessed to have the support of these many Professors.

I have two understanding girls. They understand that when it is time for mummy to work, she does not want disturbance and God also gave me one wonderful Nanny that helps with some of the house chores, she is very dependable. Family to me is everything, and when I have to give them attention, I do that, without prejudice.

PS: Please share with us your future aspirations

OO: I really love to be an institution in what I am doing. I want to be mentioned as someone who has impacted lives, even in my profession. By the special Grace of God, I know I will get to the peak of my career, but beyond that, I want to be someone whose impact is recognized in the society, leaving no stones unturned.

PS: Apart from research and lecturing, what other thing(s) do you love doing?

OO: I love to write, I love travelling and counselling people. My best of them all is making friends. I love making new friends and keeping friendships.

This month, the Publicity team is happy to showcase Mrs. Mojisola Karigidi, Co- founder/Product Developer at MBR Organics and a Doctoral Student in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Mrs. Karigidi was a 2014 Post-bachelor AWARD fellow. This interview shares most of the things you should know about our July scientist of the month. Be inspired!

Publicity Secretary (PS): Please tell us a little about your background.

Mojisola Karigidi (MK): I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria with my parents as the first child with two younger sisters. My primary education was at Command Children School, Ikeja, Lagos and secondary education was at National College Gbagada, Lagos. I completed my secondary
education in 2005. The following year, I couldn’t get admission into the University of Ibadan to study Pharmacy which was my first choice and I was not willing to change to veterinary medicine which was the alternative course suggested by the university for me at that time. I just didn’t want to become an ‘animal doctor’ or have anything serious to do with agriculture because I felt it was a very physically demanding field. I had no idea I was missing out on something huge.

So in 2007, I decided to change my choice university to the Federal University of Technology, Akure but the closest course to Pharmacy available at the time was Biochemistry. In high school, I had excellent grades in chemistry, biology and physics so I felt a combination of biology and chemistry would be enjoyable. After my first degree, I secured admission for my Masters Degree program at the University of Ibadan to proceed with Biochemistry. On completing my M.Sc. in Nutritional and Industrial Biochemistry, I continued with my doctoral studies in the same university in Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry.

Growing up, I loved anything to do with science. I was intrigued by the ability of little “chalk-like” substances (drugs) to make people recover from illnesses, hence my interest in Pharmacy. I was also a plant loving little girl. I remember regularly wetting the flower pots around our home and making sweet juice from the flowers. It was fun until I got into secondary school where, for our agriculture practical, we had to plough the soil, make beds for vegetables and then cope with the task of getting early to school to monitor the plants and looking through the classroom window between classes to be sure that no one was stealing the vegetables. Most of the time, the thieves got there before us and that took off the excitement.

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area of expertise?

MK: During my final year as an undergraduate, I met someone who brought back my excitement for agriculture. Dr. Yemi Jeff-Agboola was an academic staff in my university although in a different Department. She was a 2013 AWARD fellow. During one of my interaction with her, she asked about my plan after obtaining a degree in Biochemistry. At the time, I had no particular intention. So she enlightened me about using my training as a Biochemist to solve some of the numerous challenges of food production and taking up agriculture related research. It was through Dr. Jeff-Agboola that I realised that agriculture is not just about ploughing and making ridges. She shared her experiences as a Microbiologist working with women farmers to help them get rid of mycotoxins in their produces. I was very fascinated by how she channelled her training into contributing to agriculture.

And that got me thinking in that line. I designed some research activities and started working with plants. This led to my research into the mechanisms of action of medicinal and aromatic plants for the protection of food crops against insect attack in storage. Bean weevils were my first target, it however expended to others such as maize and rice weevils. The efficacy of the formulated product was affirmed by the National Stored Products Research Institute, Nigeria and product was filed for a patent. Over the years, I have been able to support small holder farmers affected by weevil infestation in storage with this formulation through Moepelorse Bio Resources, a start-up I founded to develop and commercialise organic solutions for small holder farmers and producers in Nigeria.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender as a female in the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?

MK: I had no difficulty in disseminating my research output to target groups. My challenge would have been in the process of continuing my doctoral degree program after I got married. But to the glory of God, I have a supportive husband and I am also blessed with an amazing PhD supervisor, Prof. Oyeronke A. Odunola, whose kind support has helped me on this journey. She was also an AWARD mentor some years before I was selected for the fellowship in 2014. A good relationship with my AWARD fellowship mentor, Prof. Adegoke Adegbite even after the mentorship year has also been helpful.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

My motivation has been my strong desire to make meaningful impact and be a role model for younger women. I have always wanted to be able to show other females the way, help them to be successful in their chosen career as others have done for me and encourage them get to
the peak with my own experiences. All these mean not giving up and keeping the fire burning. Caring for kids, husband and family together with making progress career-wise is not usually a walk in the park but I have had support from family members, my parents and siblings who at some point had to take care of my child. My husband has also been involved in the care-giving activities which reduce the stress significantly. I am also fortunate to have in my network women scientists who are doing so well in their career and balancing it with family. They keep inspiring me to do more.

PS: Please share with us your future aspirations

In the nearest future, I see myself contributing more to alternative medicine and food security through research.

PS: Apart from research, what other thing(s) do you love doing?

I enjoy writing. I use it as a means to communicate my thoughts especially on agriculture, science, food security and sustainable development. I put this passion to regular use as a Columnist for Financial Nigeria International Magazine on food security and sustainable development. I have also written some opinion editorials which were published in international media outlets. I also love listening to inspirational music.

Read Also: Scientist of the month of May

Here is our May scientist of the month in person of Dr. Olajumoke Alabi (OA). See interview below

Click here for our other Scientist of the month (May) Binta Iliyasu Interview

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PS: Kindly tell us a little about your background. At what point did you decide to become an
Entomologist?

OA: I was born at Ile-Ife in Osun State to the family of Late Mr. Gabriel O. Ekundayo and Mrs Comfort I. A. Ekundayo. I started kindergarten at Ayoka primary school in Ogbomoso, Oyo State at the age of 2 years old. I had to attend six primary schools before I entered the secondary in 1982. This was partly because my parents were transferred a lot of times and the children had to follow them. I had my primary education in Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Ilorin, Ogbomosho and Ibadan. I completed primary six at the Mary hill convent school, Ibadan after the death of my father in 1981.

I wrote Oyo State common entrance examination into secondary school and I was privileged to be admitted into one of the best schools in Ibadan, St Louis Grammar school, Mokola, Ibadan in 1982.

I gained admission into the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan in 1988. Although my desire was to study Medicine and Surgery but my JAMB score was not up to the cut off mark. I wasn’t happy about this but I kept at the opportunity to study in the Premier University, University of Ibadan. It was during my final year that I developed interest in Parasitology and Entomology. The two lecturers that taught the courses taught with a high level of scholarship that made me decide that if I come back for postgraduate studies, I will love to study Entomology in applied sciences.

During my youth service in Minna, Niger State, I told a brother in my fellowship on my desire to undergo postgraduate training in applied aspects of Entomology and he directed me to the then, Department of Agricultural Biology which is now Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan.

In 1994, I was admitted to study Entomology in the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology. I was shocked when I came out as the best overall Master student in the Department! Because I had grown up with the mindset that I could never do well, because since my Dad died before I entered secondary school I was seen as an unfortunate human being. This has made me to be an introvert with a
feeling of insecurity and a very shy person.

When I had the excellent M.Sc. result, I was awarded a Zard scholarship for the outstanding performance. This gave me a strong confirmation that I was on the right career path. I finished the Master programme in 1995 and immediately started my doctoral programme which I completed 11 years after!! The two main things that prolonged the programme were; the nature of the insect I worked on; Flower bud thrips, Megalurothripssjostedti, on cowpea (Vigna and becoming a working mother. I had all my children during the doctoral programme and believe me, it was not easy studying and building a home.

PS: You have been developing pest management options to combat insect pests that attack food crops and also providing consultancy services to organizations. Kindly tell us more about these impact oriented activities.

OA: My doctoral research project on investigation of mechanisms and bases of cowpea resistance to thrips opened up opportunities of collaborations with other institutions. I was able to publish six articles from the thesis and this publications heralded my advancement in the career. I have been involved in lots of collaborative research which I want to highlight below:

I have collaborated with scientists at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on screening cowpea germplasm for resistant accessions to thrips and cowpea on several occasions. We have cosupervised Master project on several research topics.

I have been approached as an entomologist to carry out research on the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) project of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, since 2019 till date. I was involved on field surveys of the Banana aphid in South West, Nigeria from 2019 to 2020. We have elucidated the role of ecological diversity (plants and insects) in occurrence of the aphids and incidence of the virus on Musa spp. Presently, we are investigating the effect of climate and Musa spp. varieties on growth and development of the aphids.

I am involved as a resource person in 2020 and collaborator on the Fall armyworm project with scientist at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB). This project started with several field work to survey for armyworm on maize fields in selected states in Nigeria and development of integrated management of the pest with botanicals, entomopathogens and host plant resistance. At the beginning of the project I was involved in training researcher that will go on the field to collect data from farmers and their experience with the pest and generate data on armyworm occurrence and abundance. The project is funded by the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Institute (KAFACI) and Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea.

I was a resource person at the Workshop on Alternative Biodegradable Pesticides to Chemical Pesticides in Pest control held on June, 2018. The topic of my presentation was Potentials of Biopesticides and Non-chemical Methods for Pest Control. The workshop was organized by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services to sensitize stakeholders in the effort to control the issue of pesticide residues for effective export and safe consumption of our agro commodities. Farmers, pesticide companies, and market men and women were present at the workshop.

A group of five undergraduate students won a grant from the Swiss Programme for research on global issues for Development to train farmers comprising of women and youths on sustainable system of organic vegetable production for the UI and Ajibode communities. The training was from July to October, I was invited as a resource person to train participants on Introduction to Ecological-based pest management strategy on vegetable farms. At the end of the training 70 young farmers were tutored on production of organic vegetables.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender as a female lecturer or in the process of transferring your expertise to proffer solutions for the organizations or groups you have worked
with?

OA: I have not faced any challenge because of my gender. I have enjoyed working with all gender in my career path.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges women face daily including balancing career and family.

OA: My husband has been very supportive and he shares my dreams and aspirations. He keep encouraging me whenever I am about to reach my wits end. I doff my hat to my, Sir. I draw inspiration and strength from Christian music. When I am burdened down, I withdraw and find time to pray and sing, after which I come alive again.

PS: Please share with us your future aspirations.

OA: My future plans, God willing, is to float a non-governmental organisation where I can carry out research for development, build capacity and positively impact economic growth of my dear country, Nigeria.

PS: Apart from research and lecturing, what other thing(s) do you love doing?

OA: I love singing and playing the violin.

We are thrilled by the experiences of Dr. Binta Iliyasu and Dr. Olajumoke Alabi as we celebrate them this month.
Dr. Binta Iliyasu is a Senior Researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) while Dr.
Olajumoke Alabi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan. The Publicity team is excited to share our inspiring interview for the May edition of our Scientists of the month with these phenomenal women researchers.

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Publicity Secretary (PS): Please tell us about your background.

Dr. Binta Iliyasu (BI): My name is Binta Iliyasu, from Bari, a village in Rogo Local Government Area, Kano State. I was born around the time when the Sardauna of Sokoto – Sir Ahmadu Bello was assassinated (my late mother told me). I grew up in this northern part of Nigeria. I am the second born of the 10 children of my parents, however eight (8) of us crossed over childhood and are still alive. I am married with five children and four grand children.

Education was delayed in getting to our region; in fact the girl-child is completely denied this golden opportunity. Nevertheless, my parents were enlightened about the importance of education by the missionaries; therefore, they risked sending me and other girls to school not minding the attacks and threats. Thus I was among the third primary class at Bari Primary School after it was established.

At the age of nine, I was selected to write an entrance examination to a Boarding Primary School (Shekara Girls Boarding Primary School, Yakasai, Kano city, Kano State) when some women from my community who knew I might succeed tried to discourage me. They advised me to write the wrong answers in order to fail the examination and thereby be denied my education. I ignored their advice and did the right thing, and
passed the examination to their annoyance.

I had my Secondary School education at Government Girls Secondary School Kwa – transit at Danbatta. We were the first set of students admitted. The School authority selected some of us to read science although there was no science laboratory. The Heads of the Institutions I attended encouraged me as I persevered, they were giving me the push in the right direction.

In the long-run, I finished both my primary and secondary schooling with good grades and this enabled me to secure my admission into the University immediately after my Secondary school purely on merit. But, social pressures emerged again. My parents were persuaded to get me married before my University education could commence.

Among all my suitors, my choice of the man who would become my husband was the only one willing to allow me to further my education after marriage even though he was advised against it. I had my first baby before I went to the University (School of Basic Studies Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria) planning to read Medicine at the University in order to have the same working environment with my husband who was a rural health worker.

However, I prayed, asking God to lead me to the right course. This emerged as Biochemistry even though at that time I did not have any idea of the prospects. I had my second child in 300 level and had to stay home for a whole month before I resumed. It was very difficult combining marriage, child bearing and education. The Lord saw me through and I emerged as the best overall student at my undergraduate graduation. In addition, I am the first female university graduate from my village and community of hundreds of households, at the same time the first woman with a doctorate degree!

Getting a job after my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) was very difficult as a rural, married and Hausa Christian woman who knew nobody. However, I have been interested in research. To the glory of God, I secured a job as a Research Officer at the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Vom. I had my MSc. and subsequently doctorate programmes with excellence from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria although with great difficulty as a married woman bearing children.

In fact one of my colleagues at my Masters period, a male at the University told me to my face that he had no pity for me because of my greed in combining marriage, child-bearing, job and studies. I obtained all my degrees from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I had an opportunity to carry out my bench work as a visiting Scientist at the University of Bremen, Germany.

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowship ( http://awardfellowships.org/participants/directory/item/binta-iliyasu ) package is what has truly empowered and transformed my career for the better. As a 2014 AWARD Fellow, the AWARD journey

has enhanced my career development in a progressive way, resulting in my professional transformation in a very meaningful manner to contribute my quota to improving Africa’s food security.

PS: At what point did you decide to take up issues surrounding your research interest and area
of expertise?

BI: I was born and grew up in a poor rural community in northern Nigeria, where agriculture is our major occupation and the main source of income and livelihoods. However, hunger and poverty were the order of the day despite the widespread presence of natural resources that support agriculture that is partly due to widespread illiteracy. Therefore, I consider the privilege in going to school as a girl-child an opportunity for me to offer my contribution to see to the well-being of my people who are primarily farmers.

Nigeria is an agrarian agricultural country endowed with natural resources such as land, water, human, sunshine and wind that support agriculture. However, I looked around me and saw hunger, poverty and underdevelopment despite the efforts put into the development of agriculture. Huge losses are incurred as a result of pests, diseases and post harvest losses; there was so much wastage! I saw the struggling farmers, mostly smallholders with limited or no support from the government and yet not so much is realized due to low/absence of technology, small capital, ignorance etc.

The Missionaries enlightened us about the huge potential benefits associated with education. My engagement in science and the potentials associated with technological innovation which can be applied towards the development of agriculture became the moment that shaped my personal life and career. I knew education and science could make a difference.

PS: Kindly tell us more about your impact oriented activities and research.

BI: My research centres on the use of advances in biotechnology for the development of DNA vaccine against African trypanosomiasis (commonly described as “Sleeping sickness” in humans and “Nagana/Sammore’’ in animals). The presence of livestock diseases including African trypanosomiasis limits Africa’s agricultural production and nutritional security greatly.

It limits land use, perpetuating poverty and underdevelopment in the continent. Among several epizoonotic diseases, trypanosomiasis constitutes the greatest threat to the development of agriculture. This formed the basis and my commitment to improve the livelihood of rural sub-Saharan African smallholder farming communities by addressing these challenges livestock farmers encounter not only in Nigeria but Africa in general.
The tsetse fly vector responsible for causing African trypanosomiasis inhabits fertile areas, causing farmers to migrate and sometimes abandoning their land. Global warming and the political crisis in the region only worsen the situation so that the disease now exists in areas known to be free of both tsetse fly and trypanosomiasis.

The existence of the vector is an environmental problem. Chemotherapy which is the main control option is weak and unsatisfactory. Therefore, as a Biochemist, I am exploring the difference between the parasite and the mammalian host as a potential target for DNA vaccine. So far, I have constructed three forms of DNA vaccine against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federe) which have undergone primary screening. Although the protection recorded was low and partial, the search is still on to develop a DNA vaccine in the control of this disease thereby show that as a female Scientist myself, women can make a big difference if given the opportunity to excel in contributing to the improvement of the life of our people as well as give a new lease on life of their livestock and improve the economic well-being of rural farmers

In doing so, I hope to become a role model to the women and girls in my community, as well as improve the standard of living by controlling this disease.

PS: Do you face any challenge because of your gender as a female in the process of transferring
your expertise to proffer solutions for groups you have worked with?

BI: Yes, I am facing the challenge of insubordination from institutional team members particularly the men. They think a woman should not rise above men especially to the position of leadership and that even if she does, she should dance to their tune or bend the rules to cover their atrocities. They feel a woman is not capable of leadership nor should she exert authority over men. The current system of employment
which is hardly based on merit, and the absence of in-house training and mentoring are making it difficult to integrate those who are new in the system, thus creating a pool of staff that is ignorant of the work ethics and unwilling to learn! The additional challenges from the women folk comes from envy /jealousy.

The accelerated career growth I experienced as a result of the AWARD Fellowship and attempt to transfer my expertise as a woman has brought about a lot of envy.

While trying to reach out to transfer the gains in AWARD to rural farmers in one particular instance, I encountered the problem of corruption. I remember using the token I received as a speaker at the Global Food summit in Berlin 2017 to organize the training of rural farmers in Katsina, Kano and Kaduna States. The Founder of NiWARD Prof. Williams, AWARD Fellow Jacintha plus one of her colleagues were among the resource persons who came all the way from Lagos! To my greatest shock, the daughter of one of the state governors was demanding for money from me in order to introduce us and pave way for the team to meet the governor. Although the training was conducted and the impact has lasted till date,
however, the original intention of the project and the scope of the initiative could not be achieved.

PS: Please tell us what has motivated you to keep growing in your field despite the many challenges
women face daily including balancing career and family.

BI: I have a strong determination to achieve positive and excellent results and to make a difference in my personal life and that of my community. This motivated me to go on, never ever stop trying to be a winner. The successes recorded as I moved progressively from one point to the other motivated me to keep pressing on because perseverance pays. Therefore, setting up a target and achieving it gives me great joy that motivates me to continue to forge forward in achieving my goals and my dream.

The journey of my university education was rough but most rewarding. It was not easy to combine university education with marriage and child bearing. I had my second child during my third year in the university. Coping with pregnancy and long hours at practical sessions were not easy. The most serious of all was the time I had to stay back to deliver and nurse the baby for at least two weeks while the session
was on.

To make the situation worse, I resumed a month after resumption with an unwilling, and uncooperative nanny. I was still faced with lectures, practical, copying notes, tests, etc. To the glory of God, there was no re-sitting, and I finally graduated as the best overall student of the year in my
department. Similar stories accompanied my Masters programme. Family challenges and responsibilities made my return for PhD almost impossible. A male classmate as mentioned earlier told me that he had no pity on me because I was greedy to combine family, studies and job.

Another motivating factor is the opportunity to have mentors and role models. I have some wonderful AWARD and NiWARD role models who inspired me greatly. Notable among these is the founder of NiWARD Prof. Stella Williams and then my AWARD Mentor Prof. Sodangi Luka Abdulkarim. Finally, I am proud to say that my husband and children persevered along. Thanks to my parents for taking the ‘risk’ of sending me to School, and my husband for bearing the brunt of his friends and taking the risk and inconveniences to fulfil his promise of allowing me to further my education even beyond his own personal attainment.

PS: Please share with us your future aspirations

BI: I am aspiring to be part of the company of women leaders who have filled the existing gap between men and women’s participation in decision making for better Africa and broken the fence of gender discrimination in agricultural research and development. I would like to go beyond Nigeria.

PS: Apart from research and lecturing, what other thing(s) do you love doing?

BI: In addition to my research and mentoring, I am also an advocate for girl-child’s education as a strategy for STEM action through engagement in Agricultural Science Career in Northern Nigeria. I am using the skills I learnt and brought back from the ELP Training, notably, the inspiring story of my education and my personal journey in Agricultural Research which was enhanced by my participation at the ELP

I am currently engaged in one form of collaboration with the Governmental and Non- Governmental organizations in empowering women and girls through educational activities.

Some of these actions include involvement in the UNDP-assisted Millennium Promise (Pampaida Millennium Village – www.millenniumvillages.org/the-villages/pampaida -Ngeria), Centre for Girls’ Education, Population and Reproductive Health Initiative (www.bixby.berkeley.edu), Gender Policy Unit of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ( www.gpu.abu.edu.ng ), Arewa Women and Youth Empowerment (AWAYE) Foundation and the Stefanos Foundation. I have set up a website for Nigerian Women in STEM (www.nigerianwomeninstem.wordpress.com)to disseminate information on research/training opportunities and foster partnership, collaboration. In addition, I have been invited as a speaker on ‘’Breaking the Gender Barrier: Empowering Young Women to achieve Food Security in Africa’’ at the Global Food Summit in Berlin, Germany (November, 2017) and also participated in hosting the presentation on ‘’Girl-child marriage and gender inequality in Nigeria’’ at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW62), New York, March, 2018 ( https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZANTqeMiLOnm1JPjZJnkzmSjiVlqQhTL/view?usp=drivesdk ).

As a woman in Agriculture and Research for Biotechnological innovation, I am motivating the girl- child to be resilient in pursuing education and to consider engaging in Agricultural Science as a career. I am showing them how biotechnological innovation is critical for Sustainable Food Production in Northern Nigeria in particular and for Nigeria and Africa in general. In the long run, this should improve the situation of these families by granting them access to more education, and it will also provide more people to work together on the issues affecting these areas.

My Role modelling projects in Girls’ Secondary Schools is leading to the establishment of Young Farmers’ Clubs. This is an action to encourage the young female students and thereby erode the myths involved in the education of the Girl-child as a Farmer and change the stereo-type/misconception that farmers in Northern Nigeria are men to a process that is becoming outdated. In some of the Girls Secondary Schools, we have planted genetically improved pawpaw plant to showcase the importance of Science, Technology and Innovation as a tool to improve quality and quantity of food for sustainability and enhancement of livelihoods in rural communities in Northern Nigeria.

The wide media publicity (including Facebook) of these events has resulted in some rural communities to call for help in order to engage their youths in this sustainable development pathway. Northern Nigerian girls are not only inspired to continue their education in order to avert the issues of early marriage (child-brides) and the associated ills involved in many of the under-developed children having medical problems that both their parents and the husbands cannot control.

They are expressing their heart’s desire to pursue a career in agricultural science. ‘I want to be like Binta, I want to be like Binta’ is becoming a song among the girls in schools. I am beginning to be recognized as a Role model not only in Northern Nigeria but also in other geopolitical zones in Nigeria where I was called upon to speak to husbands/wives, or parents on the need to collaborate towards the empowerment of their wives/daughters’ educationally.

I am no longer the woman in the “shell” and my research is no longer on the shelf! My voice is now going out as an advocator for the girl-child education and women empowerment. This will hopefully cause many girls to get an education and work towards solving the problems we face on the planet.

In addition to the above, I am a children’s bible club and Sunday school teacher.